THESE pictures were taken when hundreds of families, stall-holders and excitable children gathered to see Eastleigh Town Centre fill with colourful festive lights.
The event once included a Christmas lights parade through the town centre, following in Santa Claus' footsteps.
Festivities began during the day with businesses putting on Christmas-themed shop window displays, along with multiple tombolas, charity bake sales and children’s games.
These pictures show the event in 2000 and 2002.